About this experience
One of the longest and most beautiful in the world... You will discover the Seaside Boulevard – a favorite place of the locals. You will hear its history, explore the architectural features, admire the Caspian Sea and unusual contemporary objects. Enjoy a gondola ride on the canals, meet funny cacti, and touch the symbol of Azerbaijan in the carpet museum.
What to Expect
History and architecture of the boulevard
Baku Boulevard is over 100 years old: during this time, it has grown to 16 km, so it is divided into new and old parts (you will notice the difference right away by the trees). If you wish, you can walk almost the entire boulevard or the most interesting parts, and I will tell you the story of its emergence: Russian masters played a significant role in the local architecture. You will encounter the most beautiful buildings in the Art Nouveau style that distinguish the boulevard, and modern objects: the Crystal Hall, where Eurovision took place, the Mugham Center, the yacht club, and the pearl-shaped fountain.
Baku symbols
The boulevard borders the Caspian Sea: I will tell you about the importance of its waters for the city. In the State Flag Square, you will see one of the tallest flags of the Azerbaijan in the world. On the way, take a look at the legendary Maiden Tower and the Baku funicular. You will also visit the carpet museum: the building is impressive from the outside, but inside, you will find a bright kaleidoscope of Azerbaijan! You will get acquainted with the main schools of carpet weaving and their peculiarities, see how carpets are handwoven, and admire silver items with national ornaments.
Immerse yourself in the boulevard atmosphere
We, the people of Baku, love the Seaside Boulevard very much, and you will definitely feel this place too. Here you can enjoy aromatic herb tea, take a gondola ride through the canals of the Baku Venice, or take a steamboat ride on the Caspian Sea. And you will also visit the open-air cactus museum!
Shopping in Baku
We will visit the largest shopping center in Azerbaijan! It is so big that it is sometimes called a 'city within a city.' There are so many goods here that you can get lost, but the most important thing is the very pleasant prices. Don't forget to haggle to not offend the sellers! It is impossible to go around the mega-center in 1 day, so prepare a shopping list in advance, and I will help you find the right shopping zone.
Bibi-Heybat Mosque – returned from oblivion
On the way, we will stop to see the Bibi-Heybat Mosque – one of the main shrines of the Muslim world. Four straight descendants of the Prophet Muhammad are buried at the site of the temple. In 1936, it was completely destroyed, but by 2008, the mosque was restored and opened.
Fish restaurant and walk along Caspian Sea
For lunch, we will stop at a cozy fish restaurant – the tables are set near the shoreline. You will appreciate the signature dishes and relax from the hustle and bustle. If the weather is favorable, at the end of the tour, we will take a walk on the Caspian Sea on a pleasure boat. If the weather does not allow this, we will go to one of the highest points in the city – the television tower, where we can enjoy aromatic Azerbaijani tea with thyme or other herbs with sweets (shekerbura, pakhlava, mutaki, preserves).
Organizational Details
- Additional Expenses: Entry tickets to the carpet museum – $4; sea trip on a pleasure boat – from 8 euros; gondola ride – $3; teapot of tea – $6; one fish dish – from 10 euros; tea tasting at the television tower restaurant – from 12 euros, jams and national sweets are served with tea
- Meeting place is determined by agreement
- Book one of the Baku tours, and I will gladly give you a jar of olive jam or Sheki pakhlava
- Book two tours, and the accompanying guide to the Eastern Bazaar for tea, caviar, pomegranate wine, and sweets is free
